there's a lot of people in business who think we are poised to do some really good things in the global economy, the united states is, but if we can't untangle this mess, it's not going to happen. >> you know about the inner workings in the government more than any living person, every single administration of our lifetime. you've been behind the scenes -- >> what nonsense you're talking. yes, all right. [laughter] >> are you now optimistic or pessimistic about the way that australian finance minister posed the question? >> you know, in the end, i think things will be fixed. the question is when and what price do you pay on ray road to getting them fixed? you know, i don't think you govern by playing chicken. i say that to democrats, republicans, the white house, the congress. you know, they should sit down and really talk this out and the old joe biden way when he dealt with mitch mcconnell a couple years ago. extend the bush tax cuts, in the white house, they called biden the mcconnell whisperer, and the horse whisperer, and the way, one for you, one for me, and that's the way you mak